About Our Classes

Everything you need to know.

Our courses cover a wide range of writing styles and experiences. Whether you’re struggling to write your first poem or have a few novels behind you, Hugo House classes will support and inspire you. Our classes are taught by published writers who are also stellar teachers. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences. What we all have in common is a love of words. 

Class Information

Class Formats

Most Hugo House classes include one or more of the following formats:

• Generative Writing: students create new work during class or from assignments
• Workshop: students submit work for critique from the teacher and class
• Craft Discussion: teachers and students explore essential elements of the craft
• Reading: class engages in close study of one or more works

Class lengths vary, from three-hour generative writing sessions to yearlong manuscript critiques. We offer classes online, at our Capitol Hill location, and, occasionally, other partner venues around the city. New course offerings become available once a quarter.

We currently offer classes in-person and online. Be sure to check individual listings to confirm the location of the class.

Class Levels

Most classes at Hugo House are intended for writers with all levels of experience. If a class is intended for a specific level, it will be noted in the class description.

Introductory | For anyone new to writing or the writing workshop (critique) setting who wants to expand their knowledge of craft, or any writer exploring a new genre.

Intermediate | For writers with some experience in genre-specific instruction who want to deepen their understanding and hone their craft, often featuring a workshop component.

Advanced | For writers with significant experience in writing classes or workshops who are prepared to engage in comprehensive critiques and craft discussions.

All Levels | For any writer, at any level, regardless of prior writing class experience.

Classes are meant for adults unless otherwise marked or included on our Youth page. If you are a minor who would like to attend an adult class, please contact the registrar to receive a waiver to be signed by your parent or guardian certifying that you understand adult content could be discussed in this class.

Pricing and Scholarships

Early Bird Pricing

Register early each quarter and save on classes! Members can bundle the membership discount with early bird pricing. Early bird pricing is available for the first two weeks of registration each quarter starting on Scholarship Donation Day and will automatically apply at checkout.

• $10 off classes that are one to three sessions
• $20 off classes that are four to eight sessions
• $30 off classes that are ten sessions or more

See upcoming early bird pricing dates toward the bottom of this page.

Scholarship Donation Day

Help us make our classes accessible to all!

Scholarship Donation Day is the first day of the registration period. Anyone who donates $250* or more to our scholarship fund gets priority registration for our courses. Call us at 206.322.7030 on Scholarship Donation Day to sign up for the classes of your choosing.

See upcoming Scholarship Donation Day dates toward the bottom of this page.

*These donations must be marked for the scholarship fund and made between member registration of the previous quarter and Scholarship Donation Day each quarter.

Cancellations and Transfers

For fall quarter (Sep. 25–Dec. 15) classes, if you need to cancel your registration for a class, the following refund schedule applies:
· Three (3) days or more before a class, a class credit will be issued less a 5% fee. Refunds will be issued less a 10% fee.
· Less than three (3) days before a class starts, no refund or credits are available.
· No refunds or credits are available after classes begin.

Please note, for winter quarter classes starting on January 16, 2024, we will be implementing a new cancellation policy as seen below.

If you need to cancel your registration for a class, the following refund schedule applies:
· Five (5) days or more before a class, a class credit will be issued less a 5% fee. Refunds will be issued less a 10% fee.
· Less than five (5) days before a class starts, no refund or credits are available.
· No refunds or credits are available after classes begin.

Hugo House cannot provide refunds or offer makeup sessions for classes a student might miss. If Hugo House has to cancel a class, you will receive a full refund. Tuition credit expires in one year. There are no cancellations or transfers available for the Writer’s Welcome Kit.

Log in to your account for cancellations

Contact the registrar for transfers

Academic Calendar